Indian External Affairs Minister visited Maldives | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Indian External Affairs Minister visited Maldives

Posted 12 Aug 2024

2 min read

Outcomes of the visit

  • MoU on introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Maldives were exchanged. 
  • Inaugurated the Addu Reclamation and Shore Protection Project and Addu Detour Link Bridge Project.
  • Reviewed progress on the India-assisted Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) development project that connects Male with the adjoining islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi
A map showing the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The capital, Male, is marked. An inset map at the top left highlights the Maldives' location relative to India, Sri Lanka, and the Bay of Bengal.

Significance of Maldives for India

  • Geo-economics: It is located along the major commercial Sea lines of communication (SLOC).
    • 50% India's external trade and 80% energy imports transit through SLOC in the Arabian Sea.
  • Geopolitical: It is important in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and enhancing India’s Vision ‘SAGAR’ i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region
    • It is a key partner in the ‘Neighbourhood First' policy.
  • Defence cooperation: It extends to Joint Exercises (Ex Ekuverin), Maritime Domain Awareness, etc.
  • Historical ties: Both countries share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious links.

Key Challenges in Bilateral relations

  • Rising Chinese footprints: E.g. construction of the Sinamale bridge, pact for military assistance to Maldives, etc. 
  • Rising Anti- India sentiments under current regime: demanding withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives, India-out campaign, etc. 
  • Rise of Islamic Radicalism in Maldives: including Pakistan backed-terror groups. 
  • Tags :
  • India-Maldives Relations
  • Greater Male Connectivity Project
  • Security and Growth for All in the Region
  • Indian Ocean Region
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